This journey has been in motion for sixteen years but it hit full throttle in Los Angeles where Rachael worked her way up through the fine dining hospitality industry and became the Captain and Expeditor at Chef Curtis Stones’ restaurant, Gwen. There, she grew her understanding of upscale dining and was humbled as the 2018 Employee of the Year.
Following that, she ascended into the field of wine which led her to relocate back to New York City. Rachael attended The American Sommelier Association where she completed, first, the Foundation Course and examination. Following that, in 2018, she pursued and received her final Certification in Viticulture and Vinification.
Rachael passed her introductory course and exam through The Court of Master Sommeliers of America in the summer of 2018 in Houston, Texas. Finally, she graduated The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
In 2019 Rachael was the Service Director and Head Sommelier (helping open) the generously reviewed Nikkei restaurant, Llama San, by acclaimed chef-owner Erik Ramirez. Rachael’s experience with both Llama San and Llama Inn brought her to a bridged management position between both locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
In June 2019 Rachael was declared “An Asset to Tourism” as a US Beverage Influencer and was flown to Bolivia by the Bolivian Government and Chamber of Commerce to document the scene of culture, food and wine in multiple cities. In Tarija, Bolivia’s wine country, Rachael was honored with the “Distinguished Guest of the City” award by the local government.
In 2022 Rachael moved on as a sommelier at Frevo, a Michelin starred take on contemporary cuisine curated by Brazilian chef Franco Sampogna, with an exclusive 14-seat counter concealed by a fine art gallery. In true NYC speakeasy fashion— the entrance to the restaurant is hidden behind one of the works of art.
In 2023 Madori won the Professional Merit Scholarship to SommCon. While at the convention she attended seminars not limited to Women in Mentorship, Entrepreneurs: Life After Restaurants, Cannabis Cocktails 101 and Wine & Sustainability. Rachael also took classes and an exam and received her certification in Sake through The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Rachael was leading a team at the Brooklyn location of SAUCED, an impressive natural menu-less wine bar now also open in LA and Nashville. She made an appearance as the sommelier at Hotel Amor in Paris for their pop-up. This was her final stop in the wine business before moving on from the beverage industry.
Her seven year career ended in 2025 when Madori’s sobriety took precedence. She currently is focusing strictly on her career as an author while staying active in the recovery community.
